Kedartal:
Lord Shiva’s lake or Kedartal is a spectacular lake of emerald encircled by towering snow-covered Mountain peaks. Around 18-km trek from Gangotri, is a challenging & difficult trek. Almost perfect image of Thalaysagar peak reflecting in the clear emerald water of the lake is a lifetime experience. It is one of the highest glacial lakes (approx 4,912 m) in Uttarakhand. Panoramic view of some of the highest Himalayan peaks like Thalaysagar, Manda, Bhrigupanth, Meru and Jogini is astounding from the corner of the lake. So, if you want to go for a trek to Kedartal, you have to reach at first to Gangotri in Uttarakhand, India.
Gangotri:
Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is one of the main religious places among the four Char Dham. It is situated at an altitude of 3,415 m and is surrounded by lofty Himalayan peaks, glaciers and dense forests. Other than its divine atmosphere, it offers stunning landscapes all around.
Hindu legends say that it is the most sacred of all rivers and it descended from heaven to earth at Gangotri, when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from his hair locks. It originates from Gaumukh i.e., the Gangotri glacier, and is known as Bhagirathi. It merges into the river Alaknanda in Devprayag and gets its name Ganga. Gangotri glacier / Gaumukh can be reached in 8 hours on foot/ by trekking, as it is 18 KM away from Gangotri.
Basically, there are two trekking routes available in and around Gangotri.
- One is from Gangotri to Gaumukh, then Tapovan, then Nandanvan and at last to Vasuki Tal. Details of this trekking route may read at: https://www.singhontrek.in/gangotri
- Another trekking point is Kedar Tal from Gangotri.
Trek to Kedartal:
Trek starts through a path near Suryakund in Gangotri where first rays of sun falls. Pass Kedartal checkpost after doing necessary formalities like permits, insurance, fitness certificate & experience certificates etc.
It just opposite to the Gangotri –Gaumukh trek. Your first stop should be the Bhoj Kharak is around 7 KM in 5-6 hours, 2nd at Kedar Kharak is 5-6 KM and then 3rd at Kedartal is another 4 KM and come back to Gangotri.
Initial 5 KM trek passes through a dense forest and easy steep climb but a challenging climb is spiderwall. Camp at Bhoj Kharak or some 2 KM away where landscape is more beautiful. Start early for next stop i.e., Kedar Kharak.
After moving some landslide prone area to reach Kedar Ganga and move ahead. Take some rest beside a water stream and start journey in easy path from here. There is no clear path but you have to choose the best one with your trek guide. After 2 Km from Kedar Kharak, rocky boulders and snow will welcome you.
As soon as you reach the Kedartal, you will acknowledge its beauty and beautiful surrounds. Kedar Peak and Bhrigupanth peaks starts from the corner of the lake. Its water goes to the Bhagirathi through Kedar Ganga that is why it is called Lord Shiva’s lake
Return to base camp at Kedar Kharak, stay at night. Enjoy a beautiful morning, have breakfast and start your return journey to Gangotri. This trek can be completed in 3 days and 2 nights
Best time for Trekking to Kedartal:
Best time for Trekking to Kedartal is from May to mid-June and September to October. November to April the trek is closed.
Brief details about Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand is often referred to as the “Devbhumi” i.e., ‘the land of the Gods’ because to its religious significance. The State is home to numerous temples, religious sites and circuits that devotees visit throughout the year. One of the most prominent religious tour is the Char Dham Yatra (‘Char’ means ‘Four’ and ‘Dham’ means ‘religious sites’) which covers four holy sites situated in the Himalayas viz. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These sites open up for six months every year from April/ May to October/ November. Devotees complete this pilgrimage in clockwise direction by starting from Yamunotri to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally to Badrinath. Sometimes devotees prefer two destinations only, then do pilgrimage to two shrines – Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Deities of these religious sites:
- The Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is located very close to the source of River Yamuna in Uttarkashi district. A dip in the River Yamuna is said to protect one from untimely death. The temple is located at around 3,233 m above sea level.
- The Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred of all Indian rivers.
- The Kedarnath is located in the Kedarnath, Rudraprayag district and the deity is Lord Shiva.
- The Badrinarayan Temple is located in Badrinath, Chamoli District and the deity is Lord Vishnu.
Best Time To Visit:
April to June and September to November are the best months to visit these religious sites.
By Flight
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. Hire a cab or get a bus to reach any of the site. Part of the journey can also be completed by helicopter service.
By Train
Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun are nearest railways stations and regular trains are available from major cities of the country, across the year. Rest of the journey can be performed by cab or bus and partly by helicopter.
By Road
Journey by road may be a good option that can take a time to reach your destination but you will enjoy the journey once you starts climbing in the mountain. From New Delhi, Yamunotri is 420 KM (10.15 Hrs), Gangotri – 501 KM (12 Hrs), Kedarnath – 448 KM (10.30 Hrs) and Badrinath 526 KM (13Hrs, approx.).
Things to Carry for the Trek:
45-60 Ltr bagpack with rain cover & comfortable straps, Hot & Cold water bottles, Energy Bar, Dry fruits, ORS, Personal Medical Kit, UV protected Sunglasses, Tiffin box, 2-3 full sleeve T-shirts/ Shirts, Woolen Jacket, Hollofil jacket, 1 Waterproof Jacket/ Poncho, Thermal inners (upper & Lower), 2 Trek Pants, 1 pair of Woollen Gloves, Sun Cap/ Hat, Woollen Cap, 4 pairs of Cotton socks & 1 Woollen socks, 1 Waterproof & High ankle trekking shoes, 1 pair floaters/ sleepers, Hand sanitiser, Sunscreen lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, towel, lip balm & antibacterial powder, moisturizer etc.
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